Category:Young Company

Contents

Overview

The Young Company is a theatrical acting troupe at BYU in the Theatre and Media Arts Department. The Young Company serves as a training ground for both BYU actors and directors wanting to work in theatre for young audiences. The group performs in front of on average, 23,000 young people each year, bringing live theatre to many who would not otherwise see it, using mediums such as children's theatre, mime and puppetry. The main purpose of the Young Company is to abridge classic performances, in order to be more accessible for young people. It has since expanded to include one Shakespeare and one modern play every year.

The Young Company, originally known as the “The Whittlin’ Whistlin’ Brigade,” was formed in 1975. Since then, the company has toured nationally and abroad, including the former Yugoslavia, Austria, Norway and the southern United States.

History

The name, Whittlin’ Whistlin’ Brigade was taken from LDS Church history. In the 1840’s, early church members built the city, Nauvoo, Illinois, from reclaimed marshland at Commerce, Illinois. “Nauvoo” meant “City Beautiful,” and its purpose was to remain a place safe from political injustice and social persecutions in their desire to practice their religion. Unfortunately, it was to no avail, and persecution continued to increase. In the midst of these conditions, and as an attempt to protect their property and their lives, a troop of boys armed with jack knives and sticks formed what was called the “whittlin’ whistlin’ brigade.” Whenever a suspicious individual came to town, the group would surround the stranger, not saying anything, and would whittle and whistle until the stranger became uncomfortable and left. This small and courageous action was enough to prohibit unwanted intruders from lurking on the sidewalks of Nauvoo.

Over a hundred years later the name resurfaced as the name of the acting troupe of BYU, comprised mostly of undergraduates, who have taught and delighted students of all ages through live performances. The company was formed by Dr. Harold Oaks in 1974. In 1983, the name was changed to The Young Company at the request of BYU administration. Permission was being sought for a company tour to Yugoslavia and Austria with the play Patches of Oz, representing the University. The administration was seeking title clarification and felt “The Whittlin' Whistlin' Brigade” was not an easily recognizable name, thus was born The Young Company.